Christmas Spectacle

Okay, now my official classes for this Autumn-Winter season are over. We had the recital this evening and everything went well, in my opinion :) The only "negative" thing was that our number was only 1,5 minutes long (or short). The stage at Verkatehdas is so wide that we really had to take loooong steps to get in right places (running ballerinas). But it was Such Fun! I really miss the days when we had more numbers, 2-3 with the ballet class, then a jazz number, also a contemporary one... *sigh*

Btw, our music was "Ballet dancer" by Adlan Cruz, a lovely piano piece. You'll find it in Spotify, if you're interested :)

I wanted to get some new things for the performance, even though I Could have managed with the old ones... Anyway, this web store called Zalando happened to have dance gear from Bloch in their selection, also they didn't have any mailing fees. Aaaand the delivery was supposed to be 4-6 working days (and it was!). So, this is what I got:

Endura -tights by Bloch

Sissonne -leotard by Bloch

...the backside...

Also I ordered a pair of Zenith-slippers, the new model made of strechy canvas. And I can tell you, they are Very comfortable. And they do strech. The heel has some reinforcement, like the Pump model. Split soles, both inside and outside. And there's a piece of rubber band / elastic between the inner sole patches, with gives the arch kind of support (or at least it looks nice). Didn't wear them to the recital though, wanted to have something I was more familiar with. So I had my Pumps on :)

Our dress was a dress/tunic from GinaTricot, fabric was very light tricot in color of choclity brown. Short sleeves, not too low neckline. The hem was shorter in front than in the back, knees were visible (front). It was actually quite nice to wear and looked pretty on stage, flowing with the movement :) I tried to find a photo, but there's none. Have to wait for the photos from the dance school. And the dvd, yikes... ;)

Here's one shot of my head piece, which was a bit worn out :D But still I think they looked very nice. Notice the "Greek style"... :P

Warning! Some legs visible...

On Monday I arrived at our studio a bit early, so I got the fun idea of taking some photos of my legs. Via mirror of course, because there were no others yet. And I wouldn't have asked them anyway, don't have the guts... :D

In the dressing room there's a pipe of some sort in the ceiling. I stood up (en pointe) and held on to it, with one hand, the other trying to take a wobbly photo. My goal was to get a profile shot of both legs/feet, not to look at the turnout or anything, just to see the arch, the knee etc. The texts in the photos are in Finnish, but the translations are given in the captions :) And just to remind you and me myself, these are definitely for fun, no serious meanings here.

"Full weight" on my right leg... and the left looks stupid :D

For comparison, full weight on the left leg.

My favorite warm-ups! :)

I have to say that I do like my righ one better. But to defend the left, it has was broken 2,5 years ago. So keeping that in mind, I'm quite happy :) About the leg warmers, I saw the same kind in THIS video! :D But I got mine before I saw it. And as I'm also quite tall (and not too skinny....), these look shorter on me than on that ballerina. But they are still very nice!

Giselle - the perfect Halloween ballet!

This was not my idea, but a friend's - Giselle suits perfectly with Halloween. Would be fun to have a version with a bit more "grim" touch to it, all the make-up and costumes... :D Or maybe Michael Jackson did it already? With Thriller? It does have lots of cool dancing and living dead in it, also some romantic aspect.

Aaaaanyway. As I fell (inside a buss, yes) on Sunday and got 3 days of sick leave because of my hand injury, I had some spare time. And today, especially after the "nice" visit to dental hygienist (brrrh......), decided to watch Giselle on my laptop. I had 3 versions to choose from, Royal Ballet (in 2006 with Cojocaru), La Scala (Ferri, don't know the year) and Mats Ek (don't know who's the leading lady nor the year). Decided to go with RB, as it had also the amazing Marianela Nuñez in it (as Myrtha).

Took a comfortable position on my bed with big pillows, cat curled beside my legs, pressed play. The BBC production had a bit of hosting in it, don't remember the lady's name. But there was also a short interview from Alina.C. herself and her fiancé, Johan Kobborg, with short bits from their rehearsals.

Most of the music (by A. Adam) is familiar to me, but I don't remember if I've ever truly seen the work as a whole. There was a lot more choir pieces in the 1st act than I remembered, which was interesting to look at. But at the same time made me wonder about their existence. I mean, most of them had really nothing to do with the actual plot, they were just there. But of course, if they didn't exist, the 1st act would be quite short. And as the dancers were so good, it was a pleasure to see all of it, don't take me wrong :)

Johan Kobborg with Alina Cojocaru, by Bill Cooper (c)

Still, my favorite bits were the variations (including the Peasant pas de deux, despite what I wrote above). As much as I enjoyed both Cojocaru and Kobborg performing from their hearts, I wasn't too much a fan of this Albrecht's facial expressions. His pirouettes, jumps and everything else I did like, a lot. It had nothing to do with how he looks or anything such, no. I just didn't get the Feeling. Sometimes this happens. The couple were was still very nicely in balance with each other, as they are in real life... :) (You can read here about how they got engaged!)

Alina Cojocaru by Bill Cooper (c)

Between the acts there was some other video footage again, behind the scenes. Short bits of interviews again, and which I found quite funny, the names of main dancers/roles. Why weren't they in the beginning? Weird... Back to the 2nd act. Marianela Nuñez was super "chilly" in her cool essence of Myrtha, the queen of the wilis. I've enjoyed watching her (many times) in La fille mal gardée, sadly not live but via computer. (Hooray for teh interweb!!!) Also seen some parts of Swan Lake. The wilis were eloquent, also I liked very much their costume. As you can see in the pic above, the hem of the tutu isn't straight cut, which made it a bit more ghost-like. Not too clean. And the veils over their heads in the beginning, yes. Giselle had it also when appearing for the first time.

I have to admit, I'd completely forgotten what happens to poor Hilario! I Did remember him existing in the work, but his part of the plot was somewhat surprise. It was one of the most effective scenes in the 2nd act. How cold were those wilis to him, such a destiny.

The ending was beautiful. The whole piece made me tear up a couple of times. Also it made me hope that our National Ballet would perform it in the near future... :) I know for a fact that I'd get chills with the opening music already! :D

Alina Cojocaru by Bill Cooper (c)

For a comparison I watched the La Scala version, too. Except that I skipped some of those choir bits...... (*shame on me*) Alessanda Ferri was so divine in this role. Really. As I became a new fan for Miss Cojocaru after the first Giselle, I found prima ballerina assoluta Ferri maybe even more fascinating. I've seen her as Juliet, which is kind of a legend performance in ballet field for me (as a ballet fanatic). And she was wearing the traditional blue peasant dress in the 1st act, which I missed a little in RB's version (just to be honest).

*Maybe to balance the situation, the "Italians" had very traditional tutus in the 2nd act. I liked the English version better ;)*

Massimo Murru starred as Albrecht. He had some seriously neat turns and jumps. Will have to try to see more of him. And as a fun detail, Roberto Bolle danced in the Peasant pas de deux in this production! :) He's one of my favorites.

I think I'm done with Giselle for a while now (maybe 2 weeks or so, haha). As Christmas comes, I'll start the Nutcracker marathon again (as we don't have in the Opera this year!!). But before it I think I'll choose some other work(s) to see and compare. Some classic(s), probably. I'll let you know then :)

Wear Pink Today!

For me, October is the pink month. It is the breast cancer awareness month. This year even more than before. I really miss my friend, who passed away in April.

I did Not like pink when growing up. As a kid I hated it! :D These days I maybe even Love it. Funny how these things turn out. Pink ain't my favorite color, I don't think I have one. But it's one of the favoriteS.

I have the pink ribbon all year round in my jacket, on my bag etc. But today is October 12th, a day of really wearing pink! :) Well, at least there's that event in Facebook... My ballet friend gave the idea to wear pink in class, so that's what I'm going to do. And here are the stuff I'll put on - some dark colors too, but we won't notice them ;)

The pink cat is for my friend, she loved them (in all colors) :)

The top was a suprise sales find, perfect for today :) The shorts were a buy-something-for-class-in-a-hurry-find some 2 years ago or so. They've been excellent.  

Silhouette slippers by Sansha. I like the shape and outer soles, but the sizing is weird. I had the same size Pro's and these are definitely smaller, even though the width is the same, too. Trying to wear these out soon ;)

Pointe shoes, some white fabric tape for toes (Leukotape, works for me!), Ouch-Pouch juniors and the pink bag :)

My trust-worthy water bottle and the tiny towel. 

These are my pink things this time. Btw, the legwarmers are Old. I got them as a birthday gift when I turned maybe 11 or 12, I think. There was also a crocheted bun pouch and some other small things that I've forgotten :) My godfather sent them. The black shrug was a sales find, too. It's a tad too small (I've got long arms), but it does it's job. What else... Hmm... The black top - I don't wear leotards too often (quite seldom, to be honest), so there's always a tank or camisole top under the outer shirt/top. And a sports bra, but those won't get their picture published! :D Oh, and the pink leggings used to be tights. Just cut the toes off. Nice long leggings there.

A bit too much materia here. But the main point is that I do care. And hope that others would, too. If I were "a rich man", I'd donate to the Roosa nauha -säätiö, which is a breast cancer foundation in Finland. There are so many things needed for the patients getting treatment, also after it. And the research work! It's so important.

Women. Feel your boobs. Go to the doctor if there's something wrong, also if you Suspect there might be something. Demand to be taken seriously. We are worth it.

Star Dance, May 1992

It's been a while since I posted. There's actually no big reason for it, just been a bit tired with the gloomy weather in my part of Finland (the whole country, to be exact). But I've been going to classes, enjoying them and even learning new stuff. I had an idea of writing about music & motivation it gives, but shall save it for later. Today I'm presenting a tiny bit of my childhood :)

One ballet friend's mom takes the same classes with me nowadays, she gave me a vhs cassette from our (ancient) Spring recital in 1992. I think the date was 19th of May. It was held at the town theatre, like always. Our class was grade 2 at that time, youngest was probably about 8-9, oldest 11-12. This is the first one of the two numbers we had, called Star Dance (or Dance of the stars). Our teacher made it, her name is mentioned in the beginning (Arja). This might have been one of the first time we had tutus! :)

At first I didn't remember this at all, but as I watched, some parts came out of nowhere to my mind! :D How fun and curious... (p.s. The video is hidden, so people won't find it unless they've seen it here.)

***

Some slippers

Right. I've had now 5 ballet classes and met all my ballet teachers for this season. I was glowing (apparently dancers do not sweat) during all of them, enjoyed myself very much. Madame P.S. has the most challenging routines, but I like it. She also has pointe work in the end, so I've now tried the new gaynors for real. And found out that the suede platform squeaks on the dance mat we have. It feels even a bit tacky, when we did stuff in the middle. So I'm guessing it'll take some time to get used to them. The sole is lovely, getting over the box feels easy (and as madame said, it looks that way too). I still Might want to try the sole that's a bit harder. But that would be after a year or so. Or even later than that.

Couple of posts ago I showed some photos of my "tune-the-slippers" day. I thought I'd present the results, too. So, here they are :)

Under the toes.

Under the heel.

Tiny stiches :)

First make a double knot, then cut the drawstring. Finally some tape and voilà!

Seems neat on the outside :)

This is what I usually use, good strong cotton thread  (actually meant for buttons). Not Too strong, but just perfect :) And the color couldn't be better!

The thread in action. 

There'll be a post about the gaynors later on. And yay! Tomorrow there's a class again :) 

***

Last Monday and today again!

Just what might the headline mean? Well.... Classes of ballet, of course. As I wrote that I'm going to see if there's any action on Monday, I did go. And there was.

Short report. We (meaning me + one other student + teacher) started the class with 4 minutes of abs. Different styles, but the song lasted for whooooole fooooour minutes... :D It was exhausting but Fun. After that -> to the barré! All the movement materials were familiar, but the routines were new. And I'm a bit nervous at the moment, because I don't remember them properly yet. So I'm hoping the teacher will show them (once is enough, but still needed).

My legs weighed a ton each, which made me feel slightly desperate at some points. But I did my best with what I had that day. Have to say that it wasn't my best day in general, though. Keeping legs turned out in balances - oh dear. Today I've decided to do them (balancing at barre) on flat foot, not demi pointe. I want to focus on the working leg more. If there's any hope with it ;)

What next... There was a short bit of floor barre, grand battements (devant & a la seconde). Interesting, a bit challenging, also fun. Then basic tendus + some grand battements + pirouettes (standing up again). A short beautiful adagio. With my lame developpes. En diagonale - we had a nice waltz type routine, some pique pirouettes in the end. Small jumps in the middle (my entrechat-quattres were good, said the teacher). A bigger jump routine en diagonale, also gave me a Lot to think about.

***

I've been craving for challenge in class and here it seems to be. Just hoping that the teacher doesn't feel too frustrated with my level of skills. And Really hoping there'll be other students with us soon, although it's good to be under a magnifier sometimes. But not every time, maybe.

***

This is the only Friday class this teacher (Madame P.S.) will give. From next week on there'll be only Mondays. And I'm actually quite happy about it, as I'm already having one class on Fridays (with Madame D.R-S.). And one on Saturday mornings (Madame L.S.). So the dance schedule for this year has been finalized:

Monday  /  8.15 pm - 9.45 pm  /  Ballet (young advanced)  /  Madame P.S.

Friday  /  5.30 pm - 7.00 pm  /  Ballet (adults advanced)  /  Madame D.R-S.

Saturday  /  10.00 am - 11.30 am  /  Ballet (adults advanced)  /  Madame L.S.

Sunday   /  5.30 pm - 7.00 pm  /   Jazz (adults advanced)   /   Madame T.K.

About the levels: They are all marked as advanced, but I'd say that Monday ballet and Sunday jazz are really on that level. Friday and Saturday ballets are a bit easier. But they do require several years of training, too. 

These were asked to bring along today. Yikes.

About my classes, again

So, to put it short, there was no class on Friday. Because I was the only student present. But I got to chat with the teacher, tell a little bit about myself and my dance history. She was really nice! I'm guessing younger than me, but it really doesn't matter :) She told me that there are some people who Should be coming, but couldn't make it this time. And the plan is to have probably only the Monday class - which would be great for me, because having 2 x 90 minutes in different places on Fridays would be a bit hard.

Today I'll go to the studio again, to see if there's people enough for us to have a lesson. It starts at 8.15 pm, ends at 9.30 pm. And if we'll have only one class with this teacher per week, it'll be until 9.45 pm... Quite late, but I usually stay up at least till 1 am. The only "problem" with it is walking home after class in winter. It's going to be dark, slippery and cold. But one has to just have enough clothes, right? And head straight to shower/bath when at home. Then hot tea and wool socks.

It feels very much like Autumn at the moment. It's been gray all over outside from the moment I woke up. And raining. Not much, but enough to make it chilly. I'm predicting lots of tea for today. Luckily I like it! :)

via weheartit.com

Decision time

So, it's done. Enrolled myself - there's going to be ballet on Friday and Saturday, jazz on Sunday. All of these start the Fall semester next week, so I still have to wait. So booooooooring.... :P

But today I'll finally go and try a new class, the second class for Friday (as I wrote last time). Trying new dance classes in this particular school is free, which is quite nice at the moment. It's ballet advanced, but for "younger people". I tried it last October, but didn't have the time to continue regularly. Also that time they'd had the barre routines for a while already, so the teacher didn't show much. It was bit of a challenge, but I got the most.

This time they've had only one class prior to today's, so the routines will probably be explained. The main thing that worries me are the participants. Last time there were 3 girls of maybe 18 and one over 20. I've heard that one of them applied to a university in Helsinki, but don't know if she made it. Maybe some other girls have moved to this class? Last time the teacher didn't have anything against me taking the class, but she might feel different of me going there on regular basis. I'm always over-thinking these things :D

Also... I feel HUGE compared to the girls. I'm tall (177,5 cm's) and not the skinniest. But on the other hand, I learned to accept the "difference" in all my other classes, so probably it'll be okay this time, too. In the Christmas recital last year they had the same purple leotard for everyone, wore them with white tutus. If there's a strict rule about the clothing, for example a class leo, it might be a problem. But we'll see. At 7.15 pm tonight. Yes ma'm.

I know they do pointe work, but don't know if it's regular. Their Monday class is 75 minutes, Friday 90. So it might, just Might, be on Fridays... Anyway, I'm taking the shoes with me today, just in case. Have to try some extra padding for the right foot, before leaving.

I'm quite nervous! :D

Anxiety and classes

Just a short note. I'm trying to figure out what dance classes I'm able to take this year. So far there's going to be ballet on Friday and jazz on Sunday. Also somewhat sure thing is ballet on Saturday.

What I'd Like to have also... Ballet on Monday (maybe another class on Friday, too, so there'd be 2 x 90 minutes), contemporary on Sunday and a streching class just before it. Feels kinda stupid that everything is gathering round weekends. Somehow. Of course I'll be a bit more tired during weekdays after work, but really, it would be nicer to have stuff on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat. Or something like that.

But I just have to wait. And negotiate with certain people. And of course, as my own work starts again next week, I have to make those schedules - and I tell you, it's one big job. Not the most fun, might I add.

***

p.s. I took another tourist class in Helsinki last Tuesday!!! :) It was a lot of fun (and sweat). Hopefully will have some of those also this school year.

To do -list

Summer classes are over, not happy me. But there were some other ballet related things I had to do, to get ready for Autumn. Here are some clues.

One inner sole piece ripped off, also the smaller one was  to be replaced.

First there was some superglue, but it's not here :P Then some thread, needle, scissors and tape.

Another pair of softies, in desperate need of elastics. As they had only one piece with them and I like to have 2 pieces (crossed over the foot), I put some black that I had left from other shoes. Not pretty but okay for classes.

New babies needed elastic And ribbons. Loving the sole here already ;)

Not my own living room :)

Stuff. (Recycled ribbons!)

***

Tomorrow I might take one tourist class. Not sure yet. Will report on that later! :)

Mine mine all mine!

I feel childish happiness because of these pointe shoes. They fit better than any of the previous models I've had so far. It does take a while to get used to them, but already I am very good friends with the sole. Love it. Sincerely.

The only thing I don't like about them is the toughness of the fabric - when I have to sew the ribbons... Mission is now accomplished but my fingertips are still a bit tender! :D

Some photos now of the shoes as a brand new pair, not yet attacked by me and the needle.

Here's also my cool doormat. And a map of Moomin Valley. And Viuhti.

***

Until next time... post! Tuned some soft slippers, too, over the weekend. So some glue-ribbon-needle-photos coming up :)

One Pink Bag

They're brand new and MINE. 

They came in a hot pink pouch, with a same color small tote bag. 

The code is 10M/4-221-22.

With suede tips. 

***

I got very lucky yesterday as I went to Footlight dance store to ask for a fitting appointment later this/next month. Just guess what the salesperson said! "We can do it right away, if you want. I'm the other fitter in our store and there are no reservations for today." And then I was like, OKAY! :D

The process itself was interesting and gave me new thoughts on pointe shoes in general. Also before we started, I got to check out some shoes that were cut in half, so you could see the inside materials (the profile). There was also a traditional shoe to compare with.

***

I'm of course talking about gaynors. My camera's battery just died, so it takes a while to load before I'll get the photos on the computer. But later there will be many to see! :)

***

Only 2 classes left!

This was kind of an extra week, as we weren't suppose to have classes - but eventually we did! :) Next week there's still one on Monday, one on Wednesday. After that? It's just waiting for the end of August. Fall semester begins on 20th.

Today's class was as intense as Monday, with a horrible-ish weather outside (warm, raining, oppressive...). Barre-combinations were the same, except streching (Monday: talon a la main / today: whole body in use).  I was a bit on the slobby side, but didn't give up.

In the center we had a new tendu-routine, with a pirouette en dedans starting from 4th but efface! Those we have really seldom. Other stuff was familiar / same as before. But fun :)

The thought that really hit me as I came home was this:

I've taken classes from 9 (NINE) different ballet teachers this year!

During Autumn I had 4 of them regularly, during Spring only 2. But 3 more every now and then (in Helsinki). Plus one who was a substitute couple of times (in my hometown). Aaaaand one whose class I tried (for "fun") in October in our town. It's all quite funny and also very interesting, as I had only one teacher as a kid/teen. All these teachers have been different, more Russian styles but also one French school. Some others somewhere in between. I really have to empty my brain in the class and focus on who's teaching and what are her priorities. (And yes, they've all been women. Would be interesting though to have a male teacher sometimes.)

I'm a bit nervous about the up-coming year. There's going to be only a few chances for adults and ballet in our town, Friday evening and Saturday morning. The only other possibility is to take the "advanced teenagers/youth" classes, but the Monday class is 8-9.30 pm (ends quite late.......) and on Friday it's the same time as the one I took this year. Probably will try to take some tourist classes in Helsinki again, but can't decide them now. 

About equipment -> As I wrote earlier, my favorite pair of soft slippers are right on the edge of death :D Well, one could still use them after next week, but I think there's a limit of how much one wants to put tape in them. And I've got some pairs waiting, so it's like starting school as a kid - every Autumn you get new pens and stuff, now it's new slippers! :)

...and tomorrow we're going to Helsinki with 2 of my brothers. Shall pay a visit to 2 dance stores, maybe the 3rd one also. But just maybe. New pointes are on my list, but have to figure out some little details first. Anyway, hoping that it's not raining all day. 

A detail of a statue in Esplanadi Park, Helsinki :)

Versatile Blogger challenge!

Maria was kind enough to give this to me :) Thank you so much, it's my first one ever!

So, it's actually an award - but a challenge at the same time, as there are some tasks to go with it. And here they are:

1. Name 15 fellow bloggers.
2. Tell those bloggers (in their blogs) about it.
3. Write 7 facts about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger/s who named you.
5. Remember to add the Versatile Blogger -photo in your post :)

 Sooooo, here we go, some facts about me and my life!

I - I'll be 32 this December. Old.

II - I'm 177,5 cm tall. More than enough!

III - My hair has been brown, red, more red, very dark brown, almost black, black and red, very blonde, brownish, red and black again... (Now it's all bright red!)

IV - I hated pink as a kid (not anymore).

V - I've got 3 brothers (2 of them younger, 1 older than me).

VI - One of my favorite summer activities is playing croquet! (Although I'm usually the loser... :D)

VII -  I lost a dear friend to breast cancer in April. It changed me a lot, even more than I've yet understood. 

(Bonus - Favorite movies -> Amélie and Memoirs of a Geisha.)

 I think 15 is a bit much (and less is always more, right?), so I'll name... 5! And please remember that you can do this in any language you want ;) Maria had it in Finnish. I'm hoping Johanna, Nina, Vilja, Laura and Riina have fun with it :)

***

p.s. For some stupid reason Blogger is highlighting some completely random parts of my posts. Would be nice if it stopped...

Little tiny wish came true

Saw these bottles in Spring while flipping through the pages of this mighty internet. Immediately wanted them. Even asked the local (and closest) make-up department if they'll get them later on. Maybe, probably, they said. But there hasn't been even the smallest sight yet! So I figured they'll never arrive... *sigh*

Couple of days ago searched all things related to ballet in the Finnish version of ebay (huuto.net) and found them! Yay! :) Paid maybe a bit more than via some web store, but who cares. The package arrived this morning and already tried the glittery stuff. Looooovely! Of course there are 2 bottles yet to maybe purchase, but even if I never get my hands on them, I'm happy :)

Picture via beautybay.com

The names are just so fun and enchanting - My Pointe Exactly / Don't Touch My Tutu! / Care To Danse? / Pirouette My Whistle. The ones I'm still "missing" are as fascinating as these: Barre My Soul / You Callin' Me A Lyre?

Today in studio

Spent half the day doing nothing. After that - some nailpolish fumes. After which it was time to pack some slippers and a bottle of water, then take a quick ride (with bike) to the old potato flour factory. When walking up the stairs I felt like a big bag of that dusty product. I'd been waiting eagerly to get back to barré, but my legs and body didn't want to do it. Luckily my persuasion skills were quite good today! :) Had plenty of time to change clothes, put 3 bobbypins to my hair, walk to the studio.

I've taken photos of my summer outfits, mostly with the phone but also some with a real camera. Decided to use lots of colors this season! :) Have to put them on this laptop and make an exhibition, haha... Today was black with purple -day. Purple leggings and top, some purple flowers on the black shirt, blackish (well, dark-gray) shorts. Last week it was mostly Brrrrright red. (Saw a lovely shirt at H&M, had to buy it...)

So, as I got my place and started warming up, The Feeling kind of got over me. And I knew it was going to be a good one, this class.

via weheartit.com

We've had a guest "star" this summer, a 7th grader boy whose mom is a regular at the class. He goes to the Opera Ballet School (in Helsinki) and is quite good for his age, I think. It's nice to look at his pirouettes and jumps (he sure has that ballon). Today he had a school friend over, who participated also. Another nice thing about this 7th grader is that he's very polite. I really appreciate kids who know how to behave these days. I've seen enough of those who can't do that. 

Ooooookay, about the class. Barré routines were new, all of them. The musics were new, haven't heard them during these 2 years. It's always fun! :) Felt a bit lazy in grand pliés, but tried to fight against it. There was literally no feedback (to me) during the whole 90 minutes, but tried to give some myself, inside my head.

In the centre... Well, mostly it was the same stuff as last week, but they are interesting routines, so I'm not complaining. What I _am_ complaining about are my pirouettes. They were somewhat les miserables this evening... Felt ashamed. Managed to get a small grip at some point, maybe next week will be better again. Hope so! Other moves were much much better.

Here's some dust from that tricky little friend, the Pirouette Fairy... ;)

In the end, for about 10 minutes, we had a chance to practice en pointe. I felt tired and worn out, but still wanted to wear those shoes, so that's what I did. But what I didn't do was centre work, kept myself by the barré during all routines. Concentrated on knees (straight), releves (do not jump), my core (keep it tight but active), shoulders (down) and chin (up). Except that for reverance we all were in the centre.

So it happened once again. A sweaty 90 minute dance class made me feel lighter, happier and... well, Able. I could do things I didn't know 2 years ago I'd be doing again. And they were almost easy again :) I think I've stayed in love, all these years.

Now it's time to strech a little bit more and then sleep. About 3 weeks left of my summer holiday.